Bob Fort will complete his term as chair of the Sentara Healthcare Board of Directors, but remain on the board. Sandy Harris, current vice-chair will assume the role of chairman effective Nov.16, 2015.

Sentara announces new chair for Board of Directors

Sentara Healthcare, a not-for-profit system with 12 hospitals, a health plan, and more than 150 sites of care, has announced changes to the leadership of its volunteer Board of Directors.

Bob Fort will complete his term as chair of the Sentara Healthcare Board of Directors after three years in that position. In addition to serving as chair of the board, Mr. Fort was also a member of the governance and audit & compliance committees. Mr. Fort joined the Sentara Board of Directors in 2004 and will remain an active member, assuming the position of chair of the governance committee.

Sandy Harris, current vice-chair and a member of board since 2009, will assume the role of chairman effective Nov. 16, 2015. He has been serving as the chair of the medical affairs committee, which oversees the quality and patient safety performance of the system.

Bob Fort retired in 2007 from Norfolk Southern Corporation after 30 years in its corporate communications Department, the last 11 years as a corporate vice president and member of the management committee. Prior to joining Norfolk Southern, he was Washington bureau chief and White House correspondent for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and a legislative assistant in the U. S. House of Representatives.

“Bob’s leadership has been exemplary and we thank him for his years of service,” said David L. Bernd, CEO of Sentara. “He has been an engaged partner, helping to lead the board and support Sentara in our shared mission to improve the health of the communities we serve while being good stewards of our resources.”

In early 2008, Mr. Harris, a former U.S. Army captain, was instrumental in the founding of Palladium Partners, a portfolio management firm in Norfolk, Va. A chartered financial analyst, he has been involved with the investment management business since 1980.

“Sandy’s strong business acumen and personal charisma make him a natural leader,” said Howard Kern, president and chief operating officer of Sentara. “As he steps into this new role, I look forward to continuing the strong partnership Sentara Healthcare senior leaders have always maintained with its Board of Directors.”

The Sentara Healthcare Board of Directors takes an active role in setting the company’s strategic direction and imperatives, approving capital investments in facilities and equipment and holding senior executives accountable for goals in quality, clinical outcomes and the corporate mission to improve health every day.